Paper Signals makes the Internet of Things accessible to coders and makers everywhere by empowering them to build voice-controlled devices using nothing but paper and off-the-shelf hardware parts. We created templates people can use that track things like weather, Bitcoin, rocket launches, and more. People were invited to start with our templates, or get the open-sourced code to invent their own actions with the Google Assistant.

Building your own voice-controlled object can seem complicated, but Paper Signals makes it easy with well-designed instructions and open-sourced code.

Our templates can be used to make signals that display things like rain, whether you should wear pants or shorts, when a rocket is launching, and when it’s time to take a break. The code is available for developers to create their own custom widget and track what matters to them. Paper Signals stay connected to the internet and continue tracking what you tell them to, even when they’re not interacting with the Google Assistant.

We chose paper as our material because it allows anyone with access to a standard printer to design, print, cut, fold and assemble their own Paper Signal. For hardware, you can get off-the-shelf parts or buy the complete bundle from Adafruit for $25.

This experiment is built with Actions on Google — a platform that allows you to make things for the Google Assistant and the Google Home — and uses DialogFlow to understand what the user says. Paper Signals an early example of how to put these tools to work in creative ways. We also used Firebase Cloud Functions and Firebase Database for backend code and storing data, and Arduino for programming electronic hardware.

Long-term outcomes:

- Open-source examples show people the back end code and enable them to modify and build their own custom signals.

- Paper craft instructions guide makers through the process of making the physical parts.

Scalability:

- The open-sourced code is accessible by anyone with an internet connection.

- People have started hosting their own workshops at different schools to teach others how to build paper signals.

Value for consumer/brand:

- Demonstrates interesting uses of Actions on Google and DialogFlow.

- Shows people that there are whimsical and fun uses of powerful technologies.

Reach/product impact

- Significant press coverage.

- Buzz on social media by coders and makers excited to create their own signals.